UMM AL-FAHM - More than 40,000 people came out to celebrate the return of Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, released after more than two years in prison.
Salah, who was released Sunday night, was convicted of establishing contact with a foreign agent and aiding terror organizations.
The Sheikh thanked the Israeli Arab community, and Arab Knesset members in particular, for their help and support since he was arrested.
Salah also criticized Israel, saying “they took me away in the night without anyone’s knowledge, and then they brought me back in the middle of the night without anyone’s knowledge. Stop threatening us and stop investigating the heads of our movement.”
“As long as the Al-Aqsa mosque is in danger we shall not desist. Until the Israeli occupation leaves Jerusalem and the al-Aqsa mosque we will not rest,” he said.
‘Bush, learn from history’
The Sheikh also had some harsh words for U.S. President George W. Bush, saying he must stop attacking Muslims.
“Bush, learn from the history of those who have tried to conquer the Arab world and failed. Get out of Afghanistan and Iraq. Your imperialistic ambitions will not succeed,” Salah said.
Salah urged Palestinian leaders and the Hamas to avoid a civil war in Gaza and to work together. He also called upon Israeli Arabs to stand united. To the excited masses that had come out to welcome him Salah summed it up: “We will not be moved from our land, this is our home. We will not leave Haifa, Acre, the Galilee or Jerusalem.”
First published: 12:09, 07.19.5